The role of the Otago U19 Programme in the Otago Performance and Talent player pathway is to provide selected players with an opportunity to develop their cricketing skills at a National level. The Otago U19 Programme enables it’s players to train and compete in an environment where they can be benchmarked against the best players in their age group throughout the country.

The U19 Programme has the added benefit of being an important part of New Zealand Cricket’s pathway to the BLACKCAPS which sees a New Zealand U19 side selected on an annual basis. U19 cricket is a step up from the U17 program and is a step closer to representing Otago A and the Volts.

As is the case in the U17 programme players are selected with a pathway to the Volts in mind. Otago Cricket take a holistic viewpoint on long-term player development. Our coaches are not only committed to developing the technical and tactical skills necessary for a career in professional cricket, but emphasise the importance of personal development. Specifically, our coaches focus on fostering the key personality personal characteristics necessary to succeed in first class cricket and in life beyond cricket. These key attributes include  timeliness, coachability and attitude to learning.

The path to representing Otago at the U19 National Tournament begins when Otago Cricket contacts the relevant people in each district for nominations of players of interest. A squad is then picked by the Otago U19 Selection Panel to undertake the Winter Training Programme. This programme includes technical, tactical, and mental-based training as well as strength and conditioning.

Eligibility

Players must be aged 18yrs, or younger, as of September 1st.

How is the Otago U19 team selected?

Overseen by the Manager of Performance and Talent, Simon Forde, a panel of selectors will select the Otago U19 Team to play at the National Tournament.

o  Adam MILES – Head coach Otago U19

o  Craig CUMMING – Otago Cricket Performance and Talent coach

o  Mark BRACEWELL – Otago Cricket Performance and Talent coach

Following nominations from District Representatives, an Otago Wider Tournament Squad will be named to partake in regular squad trainings with Otago Cricket Performance and Talent coaches. During this period there will be regular analysis of technical, tactical, physical and mental core skills.

Regular analysis as well as performance in school and club fixtures will form an important part of the selection process. 

In early November an Otago U19 Tournament Squad of approximately 16 players will be named to prepare specifically for the National Tournament. This will be trimmed to 13 players when the team is finalised to attend the National Tournament.

Who is coaching the Otago U19 team?

Adam Miles will be the head coach of the team at National tournament this season. Mark Bracewell will be assistant coach/manager. Craig Cumming is the specialist batting coach and Nathan King is the spin bowling/ fielding specialist.

Adam continues to be assisted throughout the tournament preparation phase by Performance and Talent coaches to ensure the team is prepared as best they can be.

Selection criteria

Otago Cricket is focused on investing in players who demonstrate the right personal characteristics which underlie what it is to be the ultimate ‘Voltman’. Selection criteria at this level will consider the following points:

o  Eligibility

o  Playing history

o  Recent performance

o  Coachability

o  Technical, Tactical and Mental skills

o  Potential to be a First Class cricketer and beyond

o  Commitment to and love of the game

o  Behaviour – Adherence to Otago Cricket’s core values

o  Fitness

When selecting a team consideration must be made to the balance of the team which can be influenced by many factors including tournament duration and match format.